Title: The influence of domestic heating systems in indoor air quality in homes of a region of Northeastern Portugal

Authors: Manuel Feliciano; Fabiane Lira; Leonardo C. Furst; Rafael Arioli

Addresses: Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal ' Department of Environment and Natural Resources, School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal ' Department of Environment and Natural Resources, School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal ' Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Avenida Brasil 4232, 85884-000, Medianeira, Brazil

Abstract: The monitoring of indoor air quality in homes is important for improving the quality of life and reducing health risk factors. The worsening of indoor air quality is mainly perceived in the colder months when low air exchange rates and increased use of heating systems contribute to increase indoor air pollutants concentrations. In this context, the present work aimed at evaluating the influence of different heating systems on indoor air quality in different dwellings in the City of Bragança, Northeast of Portugal. The study involved the monitoring of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in 25 dwellings with different heating systems. The highest concentrations of pollutants were observed in dwellings with open fireplaces, observing maximum hourly concentrations of 1,500 µg/m³ and 80 ppm for PM_2.5 and CO, respectively. NMVOCs levels were mostly associated with burning incense, air fresheners, and cleaning products application.

Keywords: air monitoring; heating systems; particulate matter; gaseous contaminants; open fireplaces.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2022.125617

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2022 Vol.15 No.2/3/4, pp.162 - 182

Accepted: 26 Jan 2022
Published online: 16 Sep 2022 *

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